Collapsible Container for Anal Irrigation System Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Anal irrigation systems face challenges in providing a compact and easy-to-use solution for storing and handling tubes and anal probes separately from irrigation liquid, especially for individuals with bowel problems due to spinal cord injuries, where peristaltic functions are impaired.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container with two stable configurations allows for the storage of tubes and anal probes in a dry environment when collapsed and expands to hold irrigation liquid, featuring a first cavity for the pump and valves and a third cavity for liquid, ensuring the components are not in contact during storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container is designed to hold both irrigation liquid and components (tubes, anal probe), then the system integrates storage functions, but the components may come into contact with irrigation liquid during storage causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate cavities: a first cavity for storing irrigation liquid and a second cavity for storing components (tubes, anal probe). This segmentation ensures that components are stored in a dry environment separate from the irrigation liquid, preventing contamination while maintaining integrated storage functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the container is designed to be compact for easy storage and transport, then the system becomes more portable, but the available space for storing both liquid and components separately is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a collapsible structure that can transition between an expanded configuration (providing maximum storage volume for both liquid and components) and a collapsed configuration (reducing volume for compact storage and transport). This dynamic design allows the container to adapt its volume based on operational needs versus storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
In the collapsed configuration, the container allows components to be stored within the structure, nesting the storage function within the compact form factor. The tubes and anal probe can be stored in the second cavity which is integrated into the collapsed container structure, maximizing space efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is designed with separate cavities for liquid and components, then contamination is prevented, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container utilizes a flexible collapsible structure with integrated cavities, where the first and second cavities are formed within the same flexible container wall structure. This approach prevents contamination through physical separation while avoiding the need for complex rigid multi-component assemblies, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for anal irrigation is provided. The system includes a container, an anal probe, tubes and an electrical pump. The container has two configurations, a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration. In the first configuration, a cavity for storing tubes and the anal probe is provided. In the second configuration, the container has a cavity for containing irrigation liquid. The pump and valves is stored in a cavity towards the bottom of the container.